Smangele Nkosingiphile Shandu
Richards Bay,South Africa
Summary
Dr Smangele Shandu is an experienced University Lecturer, Researcher, Criminologist, and Social Worker with strong leadership and management expertise, seeking to contribute to academic excellence, impactful research, and the development of evidence-based policies that promote social justice and community safety.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
24
24
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Adjunct Academic: Criminology & Security Science
University of South Africa: College of Law
Pretoria
2026.02 - 2026.06
- Deliver high-quality undergraduate teaching and facilitate student learning and development
- Lead and participate in research activities, contributing to scholarly publications and knowledge advancement
- Drive community engagement initiatives that promote social justice and strengthen university–community partnerships
Deputy Chairperson (Act. Chairperson): Parole Board
Department of Correctional Services
Empangeni
2024.05 - 2026.06
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of parole board operations and decision-making.
- Chair hearings, ensuring adherence to legal frameworks, ethical standards, and procedural fairness.
- Evaluate offender rehabilitation, behavioral reports, and risk factors to inform parole outcomes.
- Facilitate collaboration between correctional institutions, social services, and community stakeholders.
- Promote accountability, consistency, and integrity in parole decisions.
Independant Contractor : Teaching Assistant
University of South Africa: College of Law
Pretoria
2023.09 - 2025.12
- Facilitate student learning through tutorials, consultations, and academic guidance.
- Assist in developing and delivering course content under lecturer supervision.
- Provide feedback on assessments and support student progress.
- Help create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Parole Board Member
Department of Correctional Services
Pietermaritzburg
2023.02 - 2024.04
- Represent community interests in parole board hearings and deliberations.
- Assess offender rehabilitation progress and contribute to parole decision-making processes.
- Ensure community safety considerations are integrated into release recommendations.
- Support fair, ethical, and transparent correctional supervision processes.
Lecturer
Durban University of Technology: Centre for General Education
Pietermaritzburg
2023.03 - 2023.10
- Facilitate engaging undergraduate teaching through lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
- Guide and support student learning, academic development, and critical thinking.
- Design and assess coursework aligned with learning outcomes.
- Integrate research and applied knowledge into classroom teaching.
- Support curriculum development and academic quality assurance.
Lecturer & Research Supervisor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
2018.02 - 2022.12
- Teach undergraduate modules and facilitate student learning through lectures and seminars.
- Supervise student research projects from proposal stage to completion.
- Guide research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing.
- Support student development in critical thinking and academic research skills.
- Contribute to academic research output and knowledge dissemination.
Independent Correctional Centre Visitor
Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS)
Pietermaritzburg
2018.10 - 2021.10
- Monitor conditions and treatment within correctional centres to ensure compliance with legal and human rights standards.
- Investigate inmate complaints and concerns in an impartial and confidential manner.
- Prepare structured reports with findings and recommendations for improvement.
- Promote accountability, transparency, and humane treatment within correctional facilities.
- Liaise with correctional authorities to support system improvements.
Student Social Worker
Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre
Durban
2014.01 - 2014.12
- Completed supervised fieldwork in a community-based social work setting.
- Conducted client intake interviews, assessments, and psychosocial evaluations.
- Assisted in developing and implementing intervention and support plans for individuals and families.
- Provided basic counselling and psychosocial support under professional supervision.
- Participated in community outreach and empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
- Supported case management through documentation, reporting, and progress tracking.
- Engaged in group work and community development activities.
- Applied social work theory, ethics, and professional practice standards in real-world settings.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Criminology & Forensic Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 2019.01 - 2023.01
Master of Social Science - Criminology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 2016.01 - 2018.12
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
University of South Africa
Durban 2006.01 - 2014.12
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Science and Technology
University of South Africa
Durban 2018.01 - 2019.12
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Liverpool John Moores University
United Kingdom 2025.01 - 2026.06
Grade 12 - undefined
Mgitshwa High School
Empangeni 2001.01 - 2005.12
Skills
- Communication: Expert
- Computer: Experienced
- Teaching: Expert
- Research: Experienced
- Presentation: Experienced
- Report writing: Experienced
- Leadership and Management: Experienced
- Supervision: Expert
- Conflict management: Experienced
LANGUAGES
Isizulu: Native
English: Fluent
IsiXhosa: Beginner
Certification
- South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) Registered Social Worker (Registration No: 103 8709) 2015 – Present
- Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) Private Social Worker (Practice No: 107 5217) 2023 – Present
Accomplishments
- 2023 Doctoral Scholarship Recipient: National Research Foundation.
- Emerging Scholar Award: Common Grounds Research Networks, United States of America
- 2019 Postgraduate Funding recipient: University of KwaZulu-Natal
- 2018 Master's Scholarship Recipient: National Research Foundation
- 2017 Social Work Scholarship Recipient: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development
INTERESTS
Reading academic materials., Researching, Attending Conferences, Education, mentorship, and knowledge sharing
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Crime Prevention Facilitator of CPFs members and Crime Prevention Workers in KZN: Forensic Consulting: March 2026-to-date.,
- Annual Anti- human trafficking Awareness Volunteer: Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre( NPO), 2014-to-date.
- Annual Matric # Ungazibali Campaign Ambassador. Durban, 2023-to- 2025.
- Legal Aid South Africa Stakeholder Member: Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Services and Pietermaritzburg Legal Aid South Africa, 2019-to- 2021.
- Mental Health on inmates stakeholder member: Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services and Pietermaritzburg Department of Health, Mental Health Unit, 2019 -to-2021.
- Decolonising Curriculum for first level Criminology modules representative : University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2019-2021.
- Department of Correctional Services. Case Management Committe Member. Panelist on Social work and Psychologist' Case Reviews: 2023 June to 2024.
PUBLICATIONS
- Maluleke, W., Shandu, S.N. and Makhanya, X. (2020) ‘Exploring the nexus between poverty, livestock looting and violence sprees: A provincial focus on South African civil unrest’, European Journal of Economics, Law and Social Sciences
- Maluleke, W. and Shandu, S.N. (2018) ‘A study of land restitution to rural communities in South Africa: An analysis of traditional leaders’ perspectives’, Acta Criminologica: The Southern African Journal of Criminology, Online.
- Maluleke, W. and Shandu, S.N. (2018) ‘An examination of relevant stakeholders’ cooperation towards policing stock theft in KwaZulu-Natal’, Acta Criminologica: The Southern African Journal of Criminology , Online.
- Shandu, S.N. (2017) Exploring perceptions of South African Police Service investigators and National Prosecuting Authority prosecutors on personal income tax fraud in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Master’s thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Shandu, S.N. (2020) ‘The use of e-filing for income tax fraud in South Africa: An empirical study’, Acta Criminologica: African Journal of Criminology and Victimology, 32(2).
- Shandu, S.N. and Maluleke, W. (2019) ‘Electronic-filing tax fraud in South Africa: Perceptive and trends’, in Cybercrime and Challenges in South Africa. Springer, pp. 211–235.
- Shandu, S.N. (2022) The development of a prosecutorial approach to combat income tax fraud in South Africa. Doctoral thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Accepted Abstracts
- Shandu, S.N. (2026) Unveiling barriers: stakeholder engagement in combating tax fraud in South Africa . Unpublished manuscript.
- Shandu, S.N. (2026) Towards evidence-based solutions for contraband in correctional facilities: Understanding criminogenic risks. Unpublished manuscript.
WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
- Digital Humanities ( DH IGNITE) Conference. 2022.Escalator , Sadilar and the Department of Science and Technology Projects.
- The University Capacity Development Programme ( UCDP).2022. Academic staff capacitation workshop series. University of KwaZulu-Natal.
- National Development Plan and State Capacity Development Conference. 2022. University of KwaZulu-natal and the Department of Public Service and Administration.
- Modern Trends in Corrections Webinar: University of South Africa (2021)
- An evaluation on the promotion of Victim-offender dialogue as a form of restorative justice in South Africa: 15th International Interdisciplinary Social Sciences held in Greece; 2020. Author: Shandu, SN.
- A Critical Analysis of Criminological Application in Responding to Violent Crimes in South Africa: 14th International Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Presentation held in Mexico City, 2019. Author: Shandu, SN.
- Deaths in Correctional Centres: Natural and Unnatural deaths: Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services and Department of Correctional Services, 2019.
- Mental Health of Inmates: Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Services; Department of Health and Department of Correctional Services in KwaZulu-Natal; 2019.
- Criminological Society of Southern Africa International Biennal Conference: University of Limpopo and Criminological Society, 2019.
- University Induction Programme: University of KwaZulu-Natal Extended Learning; 2019.
- Gender- Based Violence Dialogue: University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2018
- Tax Workshop: South Africa Revenue Services and University of KwaZulu-Natal Extended Learning, 2018.
- Safety and Violence Initiative: Violence Prevention, Safety Promotion and rhe Sustainable Development Goals: University of Cape Town, 2018.
- Independent Correctional Centre Visitors Training Programme: Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Services, 2018.
- Multidisciplinary Partnership between Higher Education Institutions and Learning Cities: Ethekwini Municipality and University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2017.
COURSES
- Senior Management Services (SMS) The National School of Government Executive leadership development programme designed for senior public sector managers, focusing on strategic leadership, governance, and effective public administration. The course strengthened competencies in strategic planning, policy implementation, financial and performance management, and ethical leadership within the public service. Jan 2026 - Jan 2026
- Ethics in the Public Sector National School of Government Professional development programme focused on promoting ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability within public service institutions. The course covered principles of good governance, anti-corruption frameworks, transparency, and ethical decision-making in public administration. May 2025 - May 2025
- Online Teaching Activated Academy Professional development course focused on the principles and practices of effective online education. Jul 2020 - Aug 2020
- Research Supervisor Support and Development Programme University of South Africa Professional development programme designed to enhance supervisory competencies for guiding postgraduate research. Apr 2025 - Jul 2025
- Computer Studies Patnet College Foundational programme focused on developing essential computer literacy and digital skills required in academic and professional environments. Jan 2010 - Jul 2010
REFERENCES
- Miss Nelisiwe, Ndlovu, Nelisiwe.Ndlovu@dcs.gov.za, 0836899976, Department of Correctional Services
- Dr Aeron, Labane, Labane@unisa.ac.za, 012 4339433, University of South Africa
- Dr Anusha, Sewchurran, AnusharaniS@dut.ac.za, 066 214 5336, Durban University of Technology
Timeline
Adjunct Academic: Criminology & Security Science
University of South Africa: College of Law
2026.02 - 2026.06
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Liverpool John Moores University
2025.01 - 2026.06
Deputy Chairperson (Act. Chairperson): Parole Board
Department of Correctional Services
2024.05 - 2026.06
Independant Contractor : Teaching Assistant
University of South Africa: College of Law
2023.09 - 2025.12
Lecturer
Durban University of Technology: Centre for General Education
2023.03 - 2023.10
Parole Board Member
Department of Correctional Services
2023.02 - 2024.04
Doctor of Philosophy - Criminology & Forensic Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2019.01 - 2023.01
Independent Correctional Centre Visitor
Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS)
2018.10 - 2021.10
Lecturer & Research Supervisor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2018.02 - 2022.12
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Science and Technology
University of South Africa
2018.01 - 2019.12
Master of Social Science - Criminology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2016.01 - 2018.12
Student Social Worker
Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre
2014.01 - 2014.12
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
University of South Africa
2006.01 - 2014.12
Grade 12 - undefined
Mgitshwa High School
2001.01 - 2005.12